What To Know
- On the other hand, the XP-Pen Star G960S features a more traditional design with a larger footprint and a slightly thicker profile.
- The Wacom One 12 comes with a passive pen with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the XP-Pen Star G960S features a battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity.
- The Wacom One 12 excels in its sleek design, portability, and robust software support, while the XP-Pen Star G960S offers a larger active area, higher resolution, and competitive price.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Wacom One 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S. Both offer impressive features and affordability, but which one emerges as the champion for your creative journey? Let’s dive deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Wacom One 12 boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a black plastic body and a thin profile. Its compact size makes it perfect for portability, while the textured surface provides a comfortable grip. On the other hand, the XP-Pen Star G960S features a more traditional design with a larger footprint and a slightly thicker profile. It’s made from a combination of black plastic and metal, giving it a robust feel.
In terms of build quality, both tablets feel sturdy and well-constructed. The Wacom One 12’s slim design might make it feel a tad less robust compared to the XP-Pen Star G960S. However, both tablets are built to withstand everyday use and travel.
Active Area and Resolution
The Wacom One 12 offers a generous active area of 10.6 inches, providing ample space for drawing and sketching. Its resolution of 4000 LPI (Lines Per Inch) delivers precise linework and accurate pressure sensitivity. The XP-Pen Star G960S also boasts a large active area of 10 inches and a resolution of 5080 LPI. This slightly higher resolution translates to even better line accuracy and detail.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your individual preferences. If you prioritize a larger active area, the XP-Pen Star G960S might be more appealing. However, the Wacom One 12’s smaller footprint could be a better fit for those who value portability.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Performance
Both tablets offer excellent pressure sensitivity, allowing for natural and expressive drawing. The Wacom One 12 comes with a passive pen with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the XP-Pen Star G960S features a battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity.
In practice, both pens feel smooth and responsive. The XP-Pen Star G960S’s higher pressure sensitivity might offer a slightly finer level of control, but the difference is subtle. Both pens provide a comfortable grip and accurate line variation based on pressure.
Driver and Software Support
Wacom is renowned for its robust driver and software support. The Wacom One 12 benefits from the Wacom Driver, which offers a wide range of customization options, including pen settings, shortcut keys, and screen calibration. It also integrates seamlessly with popular creative software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
XP-Pen, while not as established as Wacom, has made significant strides in its software development. The XP-Pen Star G960S comes with the XP-Pen Driver, which provides similar customization features to the Wacom Driver. While it may not be as feature-rich as Wacom’s offering, it’s constantly being updated and improved.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Wacom One 12 connects to your computer via USB-C, offering a convenient and reliable connection. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless drawing. The XP-Pen Star G960S, on the other hand, relies on a USB-A connection, which might require an adapter depending on your computer’s ports.
Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. However, the Wacom One 12 also supports Chrome OS, making it a more versatile option for users with different devices.
Price and Value for Money
The Wacom One 12 is generally priced slightly higher than the XP-Pen Star G960S. However, the price difference is often minimal, and both tablets offer excellent value for money. The Wacom One 12’s premium brand name and excellent software support might justify the slightly higher price tag for some users. However, the XP-Pen Star G960S provides a compelling alternative with its large active area and high-resolution display.
Final Verdict: Which Drawing Tablet Wins?
Choosing between the Wacom One 12 and the XP-Pen Star G960S ultimately boils down to your individual needs and preferences. The Wacom One 12 excels in its sleek design, portability, and robust software support, while the XP-Pen Star G960S offers a larger active area, higher resolution, and competitive price.
If you prioritize portability and seamless integration with creative software, the Wacom One 12 is an excellent choice. Its compact size and familiar Wacom experience make it a reliable companion for both casual and professional artists.
However, if you need a larger active area and value affordability, the XP-Pen Star G960S is a strong contender. Its impressive features and competitive price make it a compelling option for budget-conscious artists.
Beyond the Comparison: What else to Consider
While the Wacom One 12 and XP-Pen Star G960S are excellent drawing tablets, it’s important to consider other factors that might influence your decision:
- Your budget: Both tablets are budget-friendly, but if you’re on a tight budget, the XP-Pen Star G960S might be a better choice.
- Your intended use: If you’re primarily drawing and sketching, both tablets will suffice. However, if you’re working with more complex tasks like photo editing or animation, a more advanced tablet with higher pressure sensitivity might be beneficial.
- Your preferred drawing style: Some artists prefer a smoother pen experience, while others prefer a more textured feel. Consider trying both pens before making a decision.
The Future of Drawing Tablets
The drawing tablet market is constantly evolving, with new technologies and features emerging regularly. Both Wacom and XP-Pen are actively developing their product lines, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for future releases.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use both tablets with my smartphone?
A: While both tablets can be connected to a computer, they are not compatible with smartphones. However, there are dedicated drawing tablets specifically designed for mobile devices.
Q: Which tablet has better pen accuracy?
A: Both tablets offer excellent pen accuracy, with the XP-Pen Star G960S having a slightly higher resolution. However, the difference in accuracy is subtle and unlikely to be noticeable for most users.
Q: Can I use the pens with other tablets?
A: The pens are specific to their respective tablets and cannot be used interchangeably.
Q: Is there a warranty included with both tablets?
A: Both tablets come with a standard warranty, typically for one year. However, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s website for specific warranty details.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: Both tablets are suitable for beginners. The Wacom One 12’s driver and software support might be more user-friendly for first-time users, while the XP-Pen Star G960S offers a more affordable entry point.